The Washington County Commissioners Court on July 22 approved a request from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to use the parking lot east of the Constable's Office for voluntary chronic wasting disease (CWD) sample collection during the 2025–26 deer season.

TPWD representatives told the court the program is changing this year to voluntary collection rather than the two‑mile mandatory radius used in prior seasons. "This year is a little bit different. It's gonna be voluntary. There's no, requirement out of the 2 mile radius that we have had the last 2 years," said Miss Damron, the TPWD presenter.

TPWD reported statewide collection of about 13,000 samples last season, with 167 samples collected from Washington County and 19 from the previously designated two‑mile zone. The county has recorded a single positive result in March that remains the only positive to date, the presenters said.

TPWD said the parking location provides shelter and a convenient point for seasonal staff to reload equipment and for hunters to stop and score deer. Commissioners moved and seconded the motion to allow TPWD to use the designated parking area; the motion carried unanimously.

Ending: TPWD will operate the voluntary check station at the assigned site for the upcoming deer season under the county's approval; the court provided no additional conditions or funding for the activity at the meeting.